You can now create your own itineraries to guide your C&O Canal exploration, or you can copy one of ours! Learn more about Itineraries.
Here’s the wonderful thing about Seneca Red Sandstone: Beyond its rich red color, fine grain and durability, this sandstone also possesses what workers called “quarry sap,” which actually made it easier to cut and carve when it was first mined. For this reason, the Seneca Sandstone Company set up their stonecutting mill in 1837—right at the quarry. Learn more.
Here’s the wonderful thing about Seneca Red Sandstone: Beyond its rich red color, fine grain and durability, this sandstone also possesses what workers called “quarry sap,” which actually made it easier to cut and carve when it was first mined. For this reason, the Seneca Sandstone Company set up their stonecutting mill in 1837—right at the quarry.
Using water from the Canal to power its water wheel and later a turbine, the mill used a toothless blade to cut sandstone at a rate of an inch an hour. The mill also cut granite and stone shipped from neighboring quarries.
Although the mill opened too late to provide blocks for Canal construction below Harpers Ferry, the red sandstone was in high demand once the mill was in operation. The most visible use of this cut sandstone is the iconic Smithsonian castle on Washington’s Mall. The mill was also used to cut granite and marble used in the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument.
Located 0.2 miles off the towpath on the berm side of the basin.
We know that to preserve something, you need to experience it, so we are proud to provide support to the C&O National Historical Park as their official philanthropic partner.
Please visit the National Park Service website for the following information:
For more information and nearby places to stay or grab a bite to eat, please visit our local tourism partners:
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There has been a lapse in appropriations, and a shutdown of the federal government is currently in effect. Much of the C&O Canal National Historical Park remains accessible to the public, however, the National Park Service is not able to operate as normal. Scheduled C&O Canal Trust events and Canal Quarters reservations will continue as scheduled.
Learn more about what the shutdown means for the C&O Canal National Historical Park.